Tour Duration: 12 days Tour Code: TM2012 Tour Type: Catholic Faith Prices From: A$2229 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL. Time to rest or to start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and your travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
2
LISBON-SANTAREM-FATIMA Sightseeing with a Local Guide features visits to JERONIMOS MONASTERY and the CHURCH OF ST. ANTHONY. Afterwards, depart for Fatima and while en route, visit the CHURCH OF THE HOLY MIRACLE in Santarem, site of a famous Eucharistic Miracle. Then, visit OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE with the tombs of the visionaries, and the CHAPEL OF THE APPARITIONS, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three children in 1917. Join this evening's rosary and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. (B,D)
3
FATIMA Morning orientation includes a visit to the PARISH CHURCH where the visionaries were baptized. Also visit their homes in nearby Valinhos. Afternoon at leisure. Join this evening's rosary and candlelight procession. (B)
4
FATIMA-SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Santiago de Compostela, one of the top pilgrimage destinations during the Middle Ages along with Rome and Jerusalem. Visit the CATHEDRAL, where the relics of St. James the Apostle, brother of St. John the Evangelist, are kept behind the high altar. (B)
5
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA. For over a thousand years pilgrims have been walking the CAMINO PILGRIM'S WAY. This morning, for those who wish to experience this event, drive to the small village of Arca and do part of this famous walk accompanied by your expert Local Guide. Afterwards, back in Santiago, join the pilgrim's Mass in the cathedral. (B)
6
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA-BURGOS. Travel to Burgos, the historic capital of Old Castile. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a visit to the magnificent CATHEDRAL. (B,D)
7
BURGOS-LOURDES, FRANCE. Continue along the Basque coast and arrive in Lourdes, home to one of the world's most famous places of pilgrimage. Your guided walking tour includes visits to the GROTTO where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858, the OUR LADY OF LOURDES SHRINE, the BIRTHPLACE OF ST. BERNADETTE, and her FAMILY HOME during the time of the apparitions. Join this evening's memorable rosary and candlelight procession. (B,D)
8
AT LEISURE IN LOURDES. You may wish to experience the powerful healing baths and attend the "Blessing of the Sick" or join an optional excursion to the nearby Pyrenees? (B)
9
LOURDES-SARAGOSSA, SPAIN. Cross the Pyrenees Mountains to Saragossa. Enjoy sightseeing with a Local Guide and visit Spain's most famous Marian Shrine-the BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR, home to a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary. According to local tradition, on January 2 of the year 40, the Mother of God appeared upon a pillar to the Apostle St. James the Greater while he was preaching the Gospel. The pillar is conserved and venerated within the basilica today. (B)
10
SARAGOSSA-MADRID Journey to Madrid, where guided sightseeing includes the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Espana with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, the Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Today's highlight: a visit to the PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. Tonight you may wish to join an optional dinner excursion. (B)
11
AT LEISURE IN MADRID. A full day to explore on your own, to just relax, or join an excursion to nearby fortified Avila, where St. Theresa founded the order of Carmelites. Enjoy this evening's farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
12
MADRID Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
LISBON Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit Jeronimos Monastery and the Church of St. Anthony
SANTAREM Visit the Church of the Holy Miracle
FATIMA Orientation including visits to the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, the Chapel of the Apparitions, Parish Church, and Valinhos
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Guided sightseeing; visit the cathedral; walk part of the famous Camino
BURGOS Guided sightseeing, visit the cathedral
LOURDES Guided walking tour, visit the grotto, the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, and St. Bernadette's birthplace and family home
SARAGOSSA Guided sightseeing, visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
MADRID Guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum; farewell dinner at a local restaurant
Meals Full buffet breakfast (B); 5 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Lisbon and a special farewell dinner in Madrid
You'll always visit the key sights and enjoy more inclusions; inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Meals Breakfast - 10 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 6
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
54
EUR
Name:GAVARNIE AND THE PYRENEES Location:LOURDES Details:With its historic 12th-century church and Heas Chapel, Gavarnie is a picturesque rural mountain village set in the natural landscape of the Pyrenees and is part of UNESCO's World Heritage. Then enjoy a regional wine tasting with local specialties.
55
EUR
Name:PANORAMIC DRIVE & DINNER Location:MADRID Details:Drive through the capital's boulevards, passing beautiful buildings and fountains. Later dine Spanish-style at one of Madrid's favourite restaurants with drinks included.
52
EUR
Name:EXCURSION TO AVILA Location:MADRID Details:Drive to Avila, built on the flat summit of a rocky hill 1117 metres (3665 feet) above sea level, known for its well preserved Medieval city walls, counting eighty-eight towers and nine gateways. Together with your local guide visit the famous Monastery of Santa Teresa built between 1515 and 1582 over the house where the Saint was born and which still contains her relics. Later, stroll through the beautiful Plaza Mayor and enjoy time for shopping or to have lunch in one of the many restaurants.
Optional Excursions
